Written and designed by Roy Shepherd. Special
thanks to my wonderful wife
Lucinda Shepherd, friend Robert Randell and various experts for their
support.

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Left: A Discovering Fossils
event at Fairlight to
view dinosaur footprints on the foreshore. Right:
The dramatic foreshore Quantoxhead.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are the finest sites for
wildlife and natural features in England, supporting many characteristic,
rare and endangered species, habitats and natural features. In addition
Discovering Fossils have used the 'SSSI' status in location outside England
that are protected by similar rules.

The purpose of SSSIs is to safeguard for present and future
generations a series of sites which are individually of high natural
heritage importance. They make a vital contribution to the
ecological processes upon which we all depend. Many areas designated
as SSSIs make important contributions to the local economy and often
provide wonderful opportunities for people to enjoy and appreciate
nature.

The SSSIs cover approximately 8% of England, and alone they
cannot fulfil national biodiversity and geological targets. Many
SSSIs are small and isolated, and have to be managed as an integral
part of the surrounding landscape. Conservation action is required
throughout England if wildlife and natural features are to flourish
and enrich our lives.

Supportive land use and sustainable development policies, and
active conservation management, are vital to the well being of
SSSIs. Partnership with owners and land managers is essential to
maintain or, where past management has not been appropriate, to
restore the special features of interest. The majority of SSSIs are
privately owned, and those in a favourable condition owe their
continued importance to the way in which their owners and occupiers
have managed and cared for them.

Selecting and designating SSSIs is a key function of the
Council of Natural England (formerly English Nature), whose
members are appointed by the Secretary of State for the
Environment, Transport and the Regions. Sites are selected after
detailed scientific survey and evaluation against published
guidelines. Council scrutinises all proposed sites and, if
satisfied, approves the notification of every owner and occupier
of the land, the local planning authority, the Secretary of
State for the Environment and other organisations with an
interest in the land. Council considers every unresolved
representation after notification, and members play a key role
in reviewing outstanding disputes over SSSI management.

Notification of SSSIs places obligations upon policy and
decision makers, but does not change legal rights of ownership
or public access. Natural England must be consulted over
proposals to develop or change the management and use of SSSIs.
This consultation process ensures that the special interest of
SSSIs is not inadvertently damaged or destroyed. Natural England
work closely with SSSI owners and occupiers, local planning
authorities, other Government Departments and Agencies, and
developers.

Natural England greatly value the stewardship and practical
management undertaken by SSSI owners and occupiers. We provide
advice, practical assistance, and financial support, which help
owners and occupiers to manage SSSIs for the benefit of the
nation. Damaging SSSIs is unacceptable, either in the short or
long term, and must be avoided if they are to remain the finest
wildlife and natural heritage sites in England. Once lost, the
special interest of a site may be difficult or impossible to
restore or re-create.

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Join us on a fossil hunt

Left: A birthday party with
a twist - fossil hunting at
Peacehaven.
Right: A family hold their prized ammonite at Beachy Head.

Discovering Fossils guided fossil hunts reveal evidence of life that existed
millions of years ago. Whether it's your first time fossil hunting or you're
looking to expand your subject knowledge, our fossil hunts provide an
enjoyable and educational experience for all. To find out more
CLICK HERE

Safety notice: Fossil hunting can at times pose a risk to personal safety, in particular within environments close to the coast, cliffs
or in quarries and when using the tools and equipment illustrated. Discovering Fossils provides a free resource to inform you about
this fascinating subject and does not accept any liability for decisions made using this information. We recommend all individuals
abide by the fossil hunting guidelines available by clicking on the icon at the top of the page.